Moises Caicedo didn’t just turn heads during that extended, rain-delayed clash with Benfica—he grabbed the spotlight and refused to let go. After Chelsea’s dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory in Charlotte, the Ecuadorian midfielder summed it up honestly and humbly: “He was very outstanding during that match. He deserved the Man of the match more than me.” Those words didn’t come from a rival—they came from Caicedo himself, praising a teammate who stood out even in a team full of heroes.
A Match of Epic Proportions
The game began under a Cape of Chaos—lightning delays stretching the match to nearly five hours . But between the drama, Chelsea’s midfield, with Caicedo at its heart, imposed itself. According to stats, he completed 116 passes, with 20 advancing play into the final third—and made three crucial tackles to keep Benfica at bay .
His all-action midfield display earned him “Superior Player of the Match,” even though he openly credited another teammate as more deserving. That kind of humility speaks volumes—and it was backed up by the numbers.
A Humble Champion
When asked by Chelsea’s official media after the game, Caicedo reflected on the insane conditions:
> “The break did [change the game] … the team stayed focused and we were able to get the win.”
That focus allowed Chelsea to bounce back in extra time, scoring three quickfire goals thanks to the tactical advantage after Benfica was reduced to ten men .
Fans in Awe: “Not human”
Caicedo’s performance triggered a social media takeover. Fans praised his grit after what looked like a serious injury scare:
> “Caicedo nearly did his ACL and still got MOTM I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“Caicedo is not human man! That was arguably 6 months injury my man just shrugged off like that.”
One Reddit user on r/chelseafc said it best:
> “It was him offering the overlap to Palmer for the Nkunku goal. Was everywhere, what a player.”
The praise didn’t stop there:
> “Caicedo absolutely deserves man of the match for that performance. He’s an absolute wonder.”
That’s the kind of acclaim that comes only when your effort transcends statistics—it becomes legend.
What It Means for Chelsea
Caicedo’s display and character reflect more than just a single game. He is the engine—capable of shifting momentum, frustrating opponents, and stepping up when it matters. His ability to praise a teammate over himself shows leadership emerging in West London. Manager Enzo Maresca has a reliable pivot in the Ecuadorian—a player who leads with both skill and heart .
Though Caicedo will miss the quarter-final due to suspension, his influence won’t be absent. His professionalism and performance are already setting the tone heading into the clash with Palmeiras.
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In a match that felt part marathon, part mental contest, Moises Caicedo didn’t just perform—he inspired. He showcased vision, stamina, and selflessness, but perhaps most importantly, he reminded the world that leadership isn’t just about clutch moments—it’s about lifting everyone alongside you. And when a player publicly states, “He deserved the Man of the match more than me,” you know you’re witnessing something special.
Chelsea’s new season may well be rising on the back
of this fair, fierce captain of the midfield.